Batavia seeks to give businesses more space for outdoor services

BATAVIA – Downtown Batavia restaurants and other enterprises will be able to expand their businesses right outside their front doors, under a new initiative.

Dubbed the Parklet/Pedlet Program, it allows business owners to create additional space to serve their customers.

A parklet is described as a temporary platform located on a right-of-way and is intended to provide additional space for use by the business and its patrons on a seasonal basis.

Likewise, a pedlet also is a temporary structure, designed to act as a sidewalk extension beyond the curb line in the vehicle parking lane.

“Batavia’s Parklet/Pedlet Program aims to facilitate the conversion of inactive and often underutilized on-street parking spaces into publicly accessible open space for all to enjoy,” City Administrator Laura Newman said.

The program is limited to the downtown mixed-use zoning district. Only pedlets will be permitted on Wilson Street and Batavia Avenue.

The Batavia City Council approved the program on Monday. Business owners may apply to the city’s Community Development Department for a permit to operate a parklet, pedlet or both.

There are limitations on where the parklets or pedlets may be located. For example, the slope must be no more 5%, unless safe access and a turnaround area can be provided for wheelchair users.

The structures may be installed and remain in place from April 1 to Nov. 30.

While many restaurants have turned to improvised outdoor dining during the pandemic, a parklet consists of a platform enclosed on three sides while maintaining a visual connection to the street. It may include amenities such as seating, planters, bike parking and artwork.

“Typically, the materials consist of semi-permanent decks that expand the pedestrian realm beyond the sidewalk, allowing business owners to increase outdoor seating, without requiring permanent street re-design and construction,” Newman said.